The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Incorporated
Trading As: The Next Step recovery & Wellness Centre
ABN: 91 228 796 581
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of services by The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre (“TNS”, “we”, “us”, “our”).
By engaging our services, attending appointments, signing a service agreement, holding a membership, or using our facilities, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms.
These Terms apply to:
• NDIS participants
• TAC clients
• Plan-managed participants
• Self-managed participants
• Private clients
• Members
• Casual users
TNS operates in accordance with:
• NDIS Act 2013 (Cth)
• NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
• NDIS Code of Conduct
• NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (current at time of service)
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
• Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth))
Where services are funded under the NDIS, this agreement is intended to comply with section 33 of the NDIS Act 2013 and relevant NDIA guidelines.
These Terms apply to all services provided by TNS, including but not limited to:
• Exercise physiology
• Physiotherapy
• Allied health services
• Gym memberships
• Recovery Zone access
• Sauna
• Ice bath
• Group programs
• Hydrotherapy
• Workshops and events
4.1 Invoicing
Invoices are issued weekly unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Payment is due within 7 calendar days of invoice date.
Failure of a funding body to process payment does not remove the Client’s ultimate financial responsibility.
NDIS services will be charged in accordance with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits applicable at the time of service.
The Client acknowledges:
• They are responsible for ensuring sufficient plan funding is available.
• TNS is not responsible for funding shortfalls.
• If funding is exhausted, declined or unavailable, the Client becomes personally liable for payment.
TNS reserves the right to verify plan budgets prior to service delivery.
You must:
• Submit invoices to your plan manager promptly.
• Ensure invoices are approved within 7 days.
• Notify TNS of any change in plan management.
Delays caused by plan managers do not suspend payment obligations.
You agree to:
• Submit invoices to the NDIA portal immediately upon receipt.
• Pay TNS within 7 days regardless of reimbursement timing.
Written approval must be obtained prior to commencement of services.
Any services delivered without written approval become the personal financial responsibility of the Client.
If payment is not received:
First reminder issued.
Second reminder issued.
Final notice issued.
If payment remains outstanding after final notice:
• Services will be immediately suspended.
• Gym and Recovery Zone access will be revoked.
• Future appointments may be cancelled.
• Reinstatement occurs only once accounts are paid in full.
TNS reserves the right to:
• Refer outstanding debts to recovery agencies.
• Recover reasonable legal costs.
• Charge interest on overdue amounts as permitted by law.
6.1 Notice Requirement
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule any appointment, booking or session.
Notice must be provided in writing or via direct communication during business hours and is only effective once acknowledged.
Where less than 48 hours’ notice is provided:
• 100% of the scheduled service fee may be charged.
For NDIS participants, cancellation fees will be charged in accordance with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits applicable at the time.
For TAC and third-party funded clients, cancellation fees apply in accordance with funding guidelines. If not claimable, the Client is personally liable.
Failure to attend without notice will result in:
• Full session fee being charged
• Possible review of future bookings
• Potential requirement for pre-payment
Repeated non-attendance may result in termination of services.
Clients agree to:
• Provide accurate medical history.
• Disclose changes in medical condition.
• Follow all staff instructions.
• Use equipment safely.
• Ensure mobility aids and wheelchairs are in safe working order, including functional brakes.
• Behave respectfully toward staff and other clients.
TNS reserves the right to suspend services where safety, behaviour, or compliance concerns arise.
Participation in exercise, rehabilitation, sauna and cold exposure involves inherent risks including but not limited to:
• Musculoskeletal injury
• Cardiovascular events
• Neurological complications
• Dehydration
• Fainting
• Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Client:
• Voluntarily assumes all inherent risks.
• Releases TNS, its directors, employees and contractors from liability arising from participation.
• Indemnifies TNS against claims arising from failure to disclose relevant health information or failure to follow instructions.
Nothing in this clause excludes rights under Australian Consumer Law.
9.1 Supervision
Gym use is permitted during staffed hours unless otherwise agreed.
Certain clients may require Allied Health supervision as determined by TNS.
Bookings may be required to ensure safe staff-to-client ratios.
Use is voluntary and at the Client’s own risk.
Sauna or ice bath must not be used where the Client has:
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Open wounds
• Active infection
• Fever
• Pregnancy without medical clearance
• Any contraindicated condition
TNS may refuse access where risk is identified.
TNS may terminate services immediately where:
• Payment remains overdue
• Funding is exhausted
• Safety risks arise
• Behaviour breaches professional standards
• There is a breakdown in therapeutic relationship
Reasonable notice will be provided where appropriate.
Where the Client is under 18 years of age or lacks legal capacity:
• A parent, legal guardian or authorised decision-maker must sign all agreements.
• The guardian accepts full financial responsibility.
• The guardian provides informed consent for participation.
• The guardian acknowledges and accepts all risks on behalf of the minor.
• The guardian indemnifies TNS to the fullest extent permitted by law.
TNS may require proof of guardianship or decision-making authority.
Personal and health information is collected for safe service delivery and compliance.
Information may be disclosed:
• To the NDIA or funding bodies as required
• To healthcare providers for continuity of care
• Where required by law
All information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
TNS excludes liability for indirect, incidental, special or consequential loss.
Liability is limited to the re-supply of services where required under Australian Consumer Law.
TNS may update these Terms at any time.
Updated Terms take effect upon publication on the website.
These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Any disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of Victorian courts.
By attending services, signing a service agreement, holding a membership, or using the facilities, the Client confirms they:
• Have read and understood these Terms
• Agree to be legally bound
• Accept financial responsibility as outlined
At The Next Step Recovery and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, our mission is to provide tailored programs and services for athletes recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. Our Athlete Scholarship Program secures generous funding for athletes without financial support.
